Battle of Bysjon

The Battle of Bysjon occurred on 22 December 1644 during the Torstenson War. The battle resulted in a Danish victory over Sweden.

In 1644, Danish general and Governor of Norway Hannibal Sehested led an army of 4,480 troops in an invasion of Sweden to divert Swedish troops from Denmark to defend the Swedish-Norwegian border. The Swedes obstructed the winter road over the frozen lake Bysjon in preparation for the Danish advance, and the two sides met in battle on 22 December. The Norwegians initially suffered heavy losses due to their vulnerable positions on the ice, failing to break through the Swedish defenses. However, the Swedes ran low on bullets and gunpowder, and some defenders cut out the tin buttons of their clothes for use as bullets. The defending Swedish farmers fled in several directions, returning to their homes. The Danish victory allowed for the Danish army to invade Varmland and Dalsland.